Bacon_bits

Just purchased a 2013 A8L and it only came with one key fob. This is my first vehicle with the keyless entry and start. How many additional fobs should I get? I also understand that there is an emergency key? Can these be made for my Audi. What do you do if you are out and lose the key fob?

Thanks, Bacon Bits

LexusLSguy

The smart key separates to reveal a physical key. CPO's come with 2 keys.

On your dash where a traditional key would insert there is a stamp on the leather. If the car for some reason can't detect the key hold it against this area and then start. You have to order the programmed key through the dealer and your VIN.

MP4.2+6.0

A new A8 comes with two remote fob full keys, and a plastic key used for emergencies. Yes, new keys are ordered by VIN through dealers. Expect to need to show registration/proof of ownership and license. Some mail order dealers will sell from personal experience, but apparently less so these days.

Do NOT buy on eBay and think you can just have the metal part end cut keyed. Those are worthless paperweights except for the physical case if you need to restore an old functioning one. Dealer will charge for programming keys to car, typically a fairly fixed price regardless of how many. Maybe around $200. I think 5 is max. Need to have all known current keys at time of programming too, or any prior ones become worthless.

And yes, if you lose all keys--or wash the last one a few times--you are really SOL. At that point, I'm not sure it is as simple and still painful as just ordering more keys and getting them programmed in. $$$ become $$$$.

the_duke

CPO should come with all the keys. Two fobs, three metal keys(one of which is a valet key that can't unlock the trunk or glove box), and one plastic emergency key.

Bacon_bits

Can a new emergency key be purchased. Can it start the car?


BB

LexusLSguy

If you just want a key to get into the vehicle an auto locksmith should be able to cut one of these from your current one. Otherwise, to start the vehicle this key has to be sourced from a dealer. I just looked at mine the other night and I have two regular keys, a black plastic key, and some piece of metal with a code on it.

MP4.2+6.0

Any key that either starts the car and/or somehow opens the doors electronically needs to be programmed by the dealer. The only thing you can do without dealer is obtain a blank and go to a locksmith who has a sidecut set up. You stick that in the drivers lock slot to get in physically, like to get out of the cold and call AAA. That's as far as you can get--physical access only. You can also buy the already cut key (either plastikey emergency type or metal key (sold separate from remote now) from dealer if ordered by VIN. Still takes the programming though; the VIN ordering is just to do the physical cutting to match.